The ‘high-quality‘ Finnish team at Asianajotoimisto White & Case Oy is noted for its expertise in cross-border transactions across the Nordics, including M&A, demergers, joint ventures, and equity investments. It is particularly strong in debt and distressed financing work and handling IPOs for US corporates and investment funds. Practice co-head Timo Airisto is dual-qualified in both the US and Finland and advises venture capital investors on major transactions and mergers, while ‘efficient‘ co-lead Janko Lindros specialises in acquisitions and divestments for portfolio companies. Eerika Halme departed for a position an in-house role in mid-2021.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Finland
Asianajotoimisto White & Case Oy
Practice head(s):
Timo Airisto; Janko Lindros
Testimonials
‘High-quality international team with significant experience from M&A across the board.’
‘In complex deals, W&C can be depended on in delivering high-quality legal services.’
‘Janko Lindros is an efficient team leader and has successfully provided us a seamless cross-border service. He is also very knowledgeable and skilful in his field and a hard negotiator.’
Key clients
Blackstone
Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
EQT Partners
Goldman Sachs & Co
Highland Europe (UK) LLP
JP Morgan Securities
JPMorgan’s Infrastructure Investments Fund
Legrand SA
M&G Investment
Neles Corporation
Nets Holding A/S
Starwood Capital
Supercell
Valmet Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Ahlstrom-Munksjö on the voluntary recommended public cash tender offer made by a Bain Capital lead consortium formed for all the issued and outstanding shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj.
- Advised Legrand on the acquisition of Ensto Building Systems from Ensto Invest.
- Advised Valmet Corporation on its €64m acquisition of PMP Group, a Polish provider of technologies and services for the paper industry.
Avance Attorneys Ltd
Avance Attorneys Ltd focuses on advising mid to large size European and Asian corporations and private equity groups on high-end, complex M&A and inbound investments into Finland and the Nordics more broadly, and is particularly experienced in transactions in the healthcare, industrial, technology, energy, and gaming industries. Ilkka Perheentupa is ‘extremely versatile‘ in his in M&A work in the fund and industrial sectors; Ulf-Henrik Kull ‘excels‘ in private equity transactions, usually with a cross-border element; Carl-Henrik Wallin focuses on complex transactions related to the nuclear power industry, often advising on governance issues; and Mathias Lindqvist is ‘commercially strong‘, especially in real estate transactions. Anders Floman is also a key name for private equity and venture capital work in the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, and Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa acts for fund and industrial clients. The transactions team has recently grown; senior associate Valtteri Tapala joined from Dittmar & Indrenius, senior associate Niklas Suni joined from Borenius, and senior associate Sonja Heiskala joined from Roschier.
Practice head(s):
Ilkka Perheentupa; Ulf-Henrik Kull; Carl-Henrik Wallin; Erkki-Antti Sadinmaa
Other key lawyers:
Anders Floman; Mathias Lindqvist; Valtteri Tapala; Niklas Suni; Sonja Heiskala; Henrikki Tahkokallio
Testimonials
‘The team is dedicated, well organized and respectful of deadlines. The team stands out especially with its outstanding co-ordination on transactional matters. As a client, we appreciate the stability of the relationship built with the team. A long-term client relationship has been an advantage to the client.’
‘Ilkka Perheentupa is an extremely versatile and knowledgeable M&A lawyer. He understands the client’s needs and offers excellent availability and responsiveness. His knowledge of our business sector and the related legal framework is very much appreciated.’
‘Smart, capable, fast, commercial.’
‘Mathias Lindqvist is experienced and commercially strong lawyer. He is fast in responding and good to work with.’
‘Henrikki Tahkokallio is a rising star. Very smart and capable and strong combination in big picture and detailed execution.’
‘Ulf-Henrik Kull is one of the most experienced M&A lawyers in Finland and excels with private equity clients.’
‘Very client-minded team that scales up and down easily depending on client needs.’
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Adelis Equity Partners AB
Vapo Oy
Alma Media Oyj
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
KKR
Procuritas
Tradeka-Yhtiöt Oy
Verso Capital
Nordcloud Oy
Bravida
CapMan Oyj
Rettig Group Ltd
Summa Equity AB
Intera Partners Oy
Verdane
Mercell
Nordic Capital
MB Funds
Sievi Capital
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA)
Altor Equity Partners
Reworks
Loimua Oy
Uniper
Addtech AB
PNM-Holding Oy
Galena Pharma Oy
Ardian
Hologic, Inc.
GameRefinery Oy
Elenia Oy
Enreach
Mandatum Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Summa Equity on the sale of HyTest, a developer and producer of high-performance antibodies and antigens, to Mindray, a global medical technology company, for total consideration of approximately €545m.
- Advised Rettig Group on the divestment of Nordkalk Corporation to SigmaRoc plc. The transaction value is €500m on a cash and debt-free basis.
- Advised Vapo Oy as lead counsel on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Nevel Oy to French private investment company Ardian. The total consideration on debt and cash free purchase price for Nevel is approximately €656m.
Borenius
The ‘solid‘ and ‘practical‘ team at Borenius advises both domestic and international private equity and venture capital organisations, and increasingly acts for major clients operating in the technology, industrial and fintech sectors on cross-border transactions. Notably, it has satellite offices in the US and London, which provide extensive cross-border coverage on corporate and financing matters. M&A and private equity practice co-leader Johannes Piha splits his time between advising on private equity issues and cross-border M&A work, while co-leader Johan Roman advises private equity sponsors on M&A. Other key names include regulatory compliance senior associate Eeva Terho, who recently joined from PricewaterhouseCoopers, and private equity transaction and investment specialist Nella Åström, who was promoted to partner in early 2021.
Practice head(s):
Johannes Piha; Johan Roman
Other key lawyers:
Eeva Terho; Nella Åström
Testimonials
‘Practical and business oriented approach with excellent price/quality mix.’
‘Big picture and fundamentals without forgetting attention to key details.‘
‘Strong local insights and network, as well as international perspective.’
‘Deep insight and a calm, measured approach to risk.’
‘Solid international/cross-border M&A capability including excellent W&I insurance knowledge.’
‘We use Borenius on a regular basis in our PE M&A transactions because we are pleased with its way of working and taking care of their customers. The co-operation is straightforward and smooth, and we can trust time estimates.‘
‘Highly business oriented pragmatic problem solvers, with impeccable substance knowledge well beyond the regular required dimension.’
‘Nella Åström is extremely effective, competent, resourceful, creative and fun to work with.’
Key clients
Harvia plc
CapMan plc
Hempel
Vaaka Partners
Nouryon Chemicals International B.V.
M-Files Corporation
Norvestor
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Korona Invest
Raisio plc
Sentica Partners
OP Financial Group
Work highlights
- Advised West Street Global Infrastructure Partners on the €8.1bn voluntary public cash tender offer for Adapteo plc, a Finnish company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
- Advised Hempel A/S as a bidder on the over €1bn competitive takeover process over Nasdaq Helsinki listed Tikkurila Oyj.
- Advised the OP Financial Group on a transaction aiming to combine the mobile wallets of Pivo (OP Financial Group), MobilePay (owned by Danske Bank) and the Norwegian Vipps.
Dittmar & Indrenius
Dittmar & Indrenius specialises in complex, high-value transactions for international corporates and private equity houses, mainly handling matters with a cross-border element. It is also highly experienced in capital markets and public M&A energy and infrastructure deals in the Nordics and Baltics. Practice co-leader Jan Ollila focuses on high-profile transactions; he also is an M&A-related arbitration specialist. Additionally, co-leader Wilhelm Eklund advises on complex and high-value transactions, while managing partner Anders Carlberg is known for his work on capital markets-related transactions.
Practice head(s):
Jan Ollila; Wilhelm Eklund
Other key lawyers:
Anders Carlberg
Key clients
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
OMERS Infrastructure
Infracapital
Solidium
Cargotec Oyj
SPX FLOW
Porsus Ventures
Tiger Global Management
KLAR Partners
MB Funds
Hexagon AB
Providence Strategic Growth
Kahoot! AS
Nexi S.p.A.
Work highlights
- Advised Brookfield Asset Management Inc., together with Alecta, on the acquisition of 49% of Telia Company’s tower business in Finland and Norway.
- Advised OMERS Infrastructure on the Finnish aspect of the sale of 40% indirect shareholding in Caruna to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and KKR.
- Advised Infracapital and AMP Capital on the sale of Adven Group to institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Hannes Snellman
Hannes Snellman deals with both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, complex public takeovers, joint ventures, and fund and portfolio management issues. Its clients are active in the environment, real estate, and IT sectors, among others. The team is also highly regarded for work relating to structuring and debt and equity capital markets issues. Head of the M&A group Olsson is dual-qualified in Finland and New York and focuses on venture capital and M&A matters. Mikko Heinonen is an expert in corporate transactions and securities regulation, while M&A specialist Johan Aalto also advises on corporate finance and capital markets mandates, and senior associate Annika Schaumann is noted for her work in private equity transactions. Managing partner Riikka Rannikko also contributes to the practice. M&A specialist Erik Stenman joined from Borenius in late 2020.
Practice head(s):
Sten Olsson
Other key lawyers:
Johan Aalto; Mikko Heinonen; Annika Schaumann; Erik Stenman; Riikka Rannikko
Testimonials
‘A trusted service-minded attitude putting the client first in all circumstances.’
‘Riikka Rannikko is a highly appreciated practitioner who is very reliable and solution-oriented.’
‘The team has diverse competencies which complement each other. The quality is always high irrespective of people working with a specific matter. So it is very easy to trust that the result is always correct.’
‘Riikka Rannikko stands out clearly. She has exceptionally wide knowledge of different practise areas and can give advice on a general level without gathering eg 5 partners to the same meeting. Her availability and engagement is on very high level and she can be approached usually within a couple of hours. Her approach is pragmatic so any next steps to be identified is very easy.‘
‘Senior partner involvement with strong support from the team, availability and commitment to provide best possible service. Creativity in solving complex issues.’
‘I find their M&A team as “best in class” in Finland. Very knowledgeable and professional.‘
‘Sten Olsson is a pleasure to work with. He is always available and skilful at finding the necessary resources for us.’
Key clients
Smartly.io
Umbra software Oy
Supermetrics Oy
Metso Outotec Oyj
Telia Company AB, Telia Finland Oyj
Konecranes Plc
Altia Plc
Tikkurila Oyj
Blueprint Genetics Oy
Sanoma Corporation
Fazer Group / Oy Karl Fazer Ab
YIT Corporation
OP Financial Group
EQT
Sentica Partners Oy
Vaaka Partners Oy
Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
UPM Group / UPM-Kymmene Corporation
Nokian Tyres plc
Sampo plc
KONE Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Valmet on its merger with Neles. The combined value of the merging companies is approximately €7bn.
- Advised Umbra and its owners on its acquisition by Amazon.
- Advised Konecranes on its merger with Cargotec. The combined company’s preliminary aggregate annual revenue is €7bn.
Krogerus
Krogerus deals with cross-border M&A mandates for domestic and international clients in key sectors including the healthcare, construction, infrastructure and energy industries. It also runs a private equity team, helmed by Sami Martola, who advises major Finnish private equity houses on complex transactions, while M&A practice leader Mika Ståhlberg focuses on high-value mergers and acquisitions in both the public and private spheres. Marcus Möller often advises on cross-border corporate and M&A transactions for clients in the real estate and private equity spaces, while senior associate Taru Kovanen is particularly strong when dealing with capital markets regulations.
Practice head(s):
Mika Ståhlberg; Sami Martola
Other key lawyers:
Marcus Möller; Taru Kovanen; Jenni Teurokoski
Testimonials
‘Very flexible, professional and nice-to-work team who really cares your matter.‘
‘Very hands-on approach, always there, very capable in providing quality legal advice. Sami Martola and Jenni Teurokoski are the best talents we have worked with in the legal industry in Finland.’
‘Creative, efficient and reliable team.’
‘Krogerus are able to include Finnish top-tier experts on every subject area and bring them up to speed quickly for project specific matters.‘
‘Marcus Möller is one of the most commercially-minded lawyers in town.‘
Key clients
Hartwall Capital
Taaleri plc
HKScan Corporation
Valamis Group Oy
Juuri Partners Oy
Sievi Capital plc
Pisla Group Oy
Instalco Holding AB
Fysios Group Oy
VIA equity
Assemblin Oy
Sweco AB
Quuppa
Verdane
Ahlstrom Capital Ltd
CELLINK AB
Formica Capital AB
Investment AB Latour
Green Landscaping Group AB
Work highlights
- Advised Hartwall Capital, the largest shareholder of Konecranes, on the €4.3bn merger of Konecranes and Cargotec.
- Advised as lead counsel to Ardian on its acquisition of 100% of Nevel Oy from Finnish Vapo Oy.
- Advising the shareholders of Isojoen Konehalli on its sale to Grafton Group plc.
Roschier
Roschier is noted for its wide-ranging expertise in public and private M&A, complex private equity work, and strategically important cross-border transactions in Finland and the Nordics more broadly. It often advises listed companies, financial institutions, technology companies and private equity houses. Jon Unnérus leads the private equity team, while the public M&A practice is jointly lead by Jouni Salmi and Antti Ihamuotila, who lead on divestments and transactions across the Nordics. Senior advisor Manne Airaksinen is a key contact regarding major liability issues and public M&A.
Practice head(s):
Jouni Salmi; Jon Unnérus; Antti Ihamuotila
Other key lawyers:
Manne Airaksinen
Testimonials
‘Antti Ihamuotila is an extremely experienced lawyer with expertise from both ECM and M&A.’
‘Roschier’s key strength is overall high quality of the work and attention to details. I have worked with them multiple times and they very rarely make any mistakes – a quality that I view as important in legal matters.’
‘All individuals I have worked with have showed great availability and an attitude to go the extra mile to make sure we get the best possible outcome and meet tight deadlines.’
‘Jon Unnérus stands out for legal skills in combination with a commercial mindset.’
‘The cooperation with Roschier was seamless and very well organized. We made a huge capital market transaction and we needed the best team in Finland with broad international experience. Roschier acted as our adviser in a very critical role and in many ways enabling the transaction and managing risks related. We highly appreciate also being able to spar on strategic topics.’
‘Partner Jouni Salmi acted as our main lawyer from Roschier. Experience, strategic view and vision makes him stand out from the others.’
Key clients
Telia Company
Suomen Autokauppa Oy
TietoEVRY Corporation
Loxam S.A.S.
Boels Topholding B.V.
Investor consortium led by ANTA Sports Products Limited
Coronaria
Musti Group Oy
Huhtamäki Oyj
Finnair Oyj
Bain Capital
Neles Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Neles Oyj on its €7.2bn public company merger with Valmet Oyj.
- Advised Telia Company on the €722m sale of 49% of its tower business in Norway and Finland.
Castrén & Snellman
Castrén & Snellman is a key contact for clients in the energy, transportation and technology sectors regarding complex international transactions, mergers, acquisitions and investments. The breadth of the practice extends to cover corporate advisory and governance issues, with advice led by corporate governance team leader Pauliina Tenhunen. Head of the M&A team Jan Örndahl focuses on cross-border acquisitions and divestitures, while Jarno Tanhuanpää leads the private equity and venture capital team, and Carola Lindholm heads up the transaction services team. Benjamin Bade is noted for advising on international M&A and venture capital transactions for clients in the technology, healthcare and food industries. In mid-2021, senior associate and M&A specialist Yanhuan Zhou joined the team from HPP Attorneys.
Practice head(s):
Jan Örndahl; Jarno Tanhuanpää; Pauliina Tenhunen; Carola Lindholm
Other key lawyers:
Benjamin Bade; Yanhuan Zhou; Juha Väyrynen
Testimonials
‘Pleasant co-operation with the team. Focus on essential while fixing also the details.’
‘The team is very easy to approach, very helpful and has good expertise.’
‘Pauliina Tenhunen is extremely helpful, a real expert and nice to work with.’
‘The firm’s commitment guarantees work is carried out by or with the review of partners thus ensuring expert input and good quality. The previous notwithstanding, they also stand out for their availability to provide a prompt answer when required for the transaction to keep pace.’
‘Juha Väyrynen has deep knowledge of M&A practice and market standard and has cold mind and stiff upper lip ability to overcome difficult negotiations.’
‘They provide a consistently high level of service throughout our work with the team on all aspects of the deal and continue to provide valuable support going forward.’
‘We have been very impressed with the quality of the whole team we work with but I would like to mention Carola Lindholm and Yanhuan Zhou whose tireless dedication and commitment was very much appreciated and made a significant difference on our recent deal.’
Key clients
Danske Bank
Nordea Bank
OP Financial Group
Cargotec Corporation
Schibsted Group
Sodexo Group
Fennia Mutual Insurance Company
Vantaa Energy
CapMan
Finnish Industry Investment
Ductor Group
Atria Group
Ferrovial Group
Valio
Rettig Group
Hanza Holding
Aktia Bank
Association of Finnish Pharmacists
Mandatum Life Insurance Company Limited
Grafton Group
Evli
Work highlights
- Acted as adviser to Cargotec on a contemplated merger with Konecranes.
- Advised Valio on an acquisition for the purchase of all the shares of Heinon Tukku Oy from Tukkuheino Oy and other shareholders.
- Advised international building materials distributor and DIY retailer Grafton Group plc on its acquisition of Finnish Isojoen Konehalli Oy and Jokapaikka Oy (IKH). The consideration payable for IKH is €199.3m on a cash and debt-free basis.
HPP Attorneys
HPP Attorneys is noted for its expertise regarding complex transactional work in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as well as fielding a strong private equity practice covering the Nordics. Antti Säiläkivi focuses on major M&A transactions, corporate and governance issues, and private equity work. The team also operates three satellite desks to facilitate inbound investment, with Andrew Cotton advising on UK and US-Finnish transactions, Björn Nykvist specialising in German inbound investments into Finland, and managing partner Markku Mäkinen leading on advising Chinese companies on their entry into the Nordic market.
Practice head(s):
Antti Säiläkivi; Andrew Cotton
Other key lawyers:
Markku Mäkinen; Björn Nykvist
Testimonials
‘Antti Säiläkivi is a brilliant lawyer – very innovative and dynamic, always up for the client.’
‘HPP are incredibly commercial, pragmatic and sensible. They give clear and easy to understand advice, which is direct and to the point. Their written and spoken English is exceptional. As a client who is based outside Finland (in the UK) I could not be more impressed with both their level of service and the quality of the advice they give and the manner in which it is given. I have instructed many law firms over the years where English is not their first language, and none have come close to the legal advice received from HPP.’
‘Andrew (Andy) Cotton and Joska Rytkönen in the Corporate/M&A team are exceptionally talented lawyers. They led on a recent acquisition for us and they gave such sound and sensible advice. They respond very quickly, turn things around quickly while also giving proper consideration to the issues. They do not take points for the sake of it, and are pragmatic and commercially minded. They offer sensible solutions to reach agreement on open issues. They were available 24/7 and always with a positive attitude and constructive approach and manner.’
‘Andrew Cotton – Demonstrates outstanding commercial acumen. Gets to know the client’s business, commercial desires and risk appetite within a short time and is therefore able to drive deals through speedily and prudently.’
Key clients
Silmäasema plc
Landis+Gyr
Terrafame Group Limited
Aquila Capital GmbH
PHP Holding Ltd
City of Hensinki
BayWay R.E AB
Lone Star Fund
Taaleri Energia Oy
Finnish Mineral Group
Work highlights
- Advised Swiss-listed smart grid solutions group Landis+Gyr and its local operating company Lands+Gyr Finland Oy on its acquisition of a Finland-based automated meter reading business from major Nordic telecoms group Telia.
- Advised wpd on all aspects of a Joint Venture arrangement in relation to a new overhead line to be constructed and used by to different special purpose vehicles currently developing neighbouring wind farms.
- Advised Wihuri Oy on the acquisition of RealMachinery Oy and its Finnish subsidiaries.
Bird & Bird LLP
The corporate and M&A team at Bird & Bird covers inbound transactions, as well as corporate and regulatory assistance, particularly for clients based in the US, Europe and Asia. It is especially strong in advising clients in the energy, technology and transportation sectors and has previously supported Finnish government ministries and cities on M&A transactions. Team leader Maria Carlsson is an expert in private M&A, acting primarily for international clients. Equity and debt capital markets specialist Laura Huomo joined the team in mid-2021 from Roschier; she is qualified in both New York and Finland.
Practice head(s):
Maria Carlsson
Other key lawyers:
Laura Huomo
Testimonials
‘Wide range and quality of deep understanding of customers needs.’
‘Responsible leader and the team were true customer servers.’
‘Strong local knowledge combined with international network/capabilities.’
‘Experienced hands-on senior people with strong judgement and availability.’
Key clients
The City of Vantaa
Ministry of Transport and Communications
Prime Minister’s Office
DISQO
Fintraffic Group
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Metric Capital
Fortum
Terra Firma
Sponsor Fund IV Ky
Eezy Oyj
Pinja Group Oy
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium led by Terra Firma and Metric Capital on the structured sale of Parmaco to Partners Group. The deal value has potential to be around €400m.
- Assisted Aiven Oy with its $100m venture capital funding round.
- Advised the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications on investment into joint venture companies Suomi-rata Oy and Turun Tunnin juna Oy, together with a total of over 20 Finnish municipalities.
DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd
DLA Piper Finland Attorneys Ltd is a key name for mid-market M&A and private equity matters, acting for international clients operating in the retail and pharmaceuticals spaces and large venture capital funds. Practice head Ilkka Liljeroos advises on private equity and venture capital transactions and acquisitions. M&A and corporate partner Matti Ylä-Mononen is noted for his work in the private M&A sphere, while Salla Tuominen focuses on equity capital markets and venture capital mandates, and counsel Jonathan Andersin focuses on debt financing and fund formation work. The team also broadened its expertise by recruiting senior associate Laura Kauppila in mid-2021 from the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority.
Practice head(s):
Ilkka Liljeroos
Other key lawyers:
Matti Ylä-Mononen; Salla Tuominen; Jonathan Andersin; Laura Kauppila
Testimonials
‘They are really customer oriented and always actively try to find solutions that are optimal considering the customer’s business. Great value for money.’
‘Excellent skills/knowledge/attitude. Always highly solution oriented not only raising problems. Great flexibility and willingness to serve customers when ever there is need. Also, many competitors are only after the most lucrative deals/work but DLA and Ilkka Liljeroos offer true partnership in any customer needs.’
‘The team was extremely efficient, concentrating on the relevant topics in a time critical project.’
‘Ilkka Liljeroos is a business minded, proactive lawyer, capable of coming up with solutions which address the fundamental issues the customer has and which are acceptable also to the counter party. While being the partner representative in the team, he is also very much hands on and driving the negotiations in the right direction.’
‘Very hands-on team with great business focused mindset. The team is truly on your side and takes your issues as they would be their own.’
‘Growing team of professionals with low-key attitude. Can receive support from a global same branded network.’
‘To the point style. Very easy to communicate with.’
‘Good knowledge of our needs and business. Very flexible team and help is always available.’
Key clients
PPG Industries, Inc.
Læringsverkstedet Gruppen AS
Enersense International Oyj
Raksystems Group / MB Funds
Digia plc
AAC Capital
Bregal Milestone
AddSecure Group
Saari Partners
Elisa plc
ARBY Partners
MB Funds
Sponsor Capital
INEOS
Bravedo
Plarium Global Ltd
Open Ocean Ventures
Nordic Eye Venture Capital
Work highlights
- Advised PPG Industries, Inc. on its €1.5bn voluntary recommended public cash tender offer for all shares in Tikkurila Oyj.
- Advised Bregal Milestone as lead investor on a $80m investment in M-Files.
- Advised Israeli mobile gaming company Plarium Global Ltd, part of Aristocrat Leisure Limited, on the acquisition of the Finnish mobile game development studio Futureplay Oy.
Dottir Attorneys Ltd.
Dottir Attorneys Ltd. advises start-up companies and venture capital investors on private equity mergers, investments and acquisitions, as well as due diligence, regulatory work, and contract negotiations. The team is noted for its extensive experience acting for clients in the technology sector. Practice leader Juha Nurminen specialises in public and private M&A, as well as advising on private equity issues, while Kyösti Siltala deals with corporate governance work and cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kyösti Siltala
Testimonials
‘Valuable knowledge and sensitivity to technology. International-minded, professional and serious interaction with senior people.’
‘Strong sense of business. Constructive and smart approach to find solutions. Very good reactivity.’
Key clients
CapMan Growth
NordicNinja
Finnish Industry Investment
Maki.vc
Icebreaker.vc
Northzone
Wolt Enterprises
Sulapac
Sanoma
Play Venture
Work highlights
- Advised UM Yhtiöt, CapMan Growth Fund and the other shareholders of RealMachinery on the sale of the company to Wihuri Group.
- Advised the shareholders of Envera Oy, including its founders and Taaleri Circular Economy Fund, on the agreed sale of a majority stake in the company to Norvestor.
- Advised lead investor Jolt Capital and co-investors Finnish Industry Investment (Tesi) and Vertex Growth on the €30m financing round of Virta, a leading electric vehicle charging platform company.
Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy / Eversheds Attorneys Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) is particularly noted for its expertise in mid-market corporate transactions, acting for Finnish and Western European technology start-ups, as well as advising international corporations in the transportation, healthcare, and technology sectors. Its also advises on mergers, restructurings, spin-offs and share and asset acquisitions. Company law team leader Olli Iirola advises private equity clients, while M&A team co-leader Vesa Turkki focuses on international trade work, corporate transactions, and M&A. Managing partner and chairman of the board Harri Tolppanen is noted for his expertise in cross-border M&A, transactions and financings, and Mika Taberman focuses on transactions, commercial disputes and financing work.
Practice head(s):
Olli Iirola; Vesa Turkki; Harri Tolppanen; Mika Taberman
Other key lawyers:
Johan Wesander; Mika Oksanen
Testimonials
‘The team is very well balanced in terms of complementary areas of expertise and provides a holistic view on the clients’ situation at hand.’
‘The team is very hardworking, co-operative and accurate. I appreciate also the creativeness of this team. Eversheds is providing great all-around support when needed.’
‘Well-synchronized team, working proactive and independently.’
‘Johan Wesander is really knowledgeable, responsive and solution-oriented.’
‘Skilful, multi-talented team. No matter the problem or its character, solutions have always been found.’
‘Friendly, business-orientated individuals who swiftly adapt the problems or questions risen.’
‘Truly business minded, gives for a good diversity and subject matter knowledge. It’s not just legal advice, it’s business savviness.’
Key clients
Elisa corporation
Stena Recycling Oy
Revenue Group Corporation
Relais Group plc
BHG Group AB
Otava Publishing COmpany
Digitalist Group plc
Bang & Bonsomer Group AB
PiezoMotor Uppsala AB
Nordic Business Forum Oy
Brady Corporation
KPA Unicorn Group Oy
Netello Systems Oy
Cognizant
Specsavers
Robert’s Coffee
Oy Elfving Ab
Greencoat Capital
Sininen Meteoriitti Oy
Enersize Oyj
Avara Oy
Kiinteistömaailma Oy
SigmaRoc plc
Elcoline Oy
Info Oyj
TX Group AG
Work highlights
- Assisted Elisa Corporation with its strategic investment in the Italian sedApta Group.
- Advised Brady S.à r.l. as it issued a voluntary public cash tender offer, recommended by the Board of Directors of Nordic ID Oyj, for all shares in Nordic ID Oyj.
- Advised SigmaRoc plc on the acquisition of all shares in Nordkalk Oy Ab from Rettig Group Oy Ab in a €500m transaction.
Magnusson
Magnusson advises on corporate and M&A mandates, and assists with transactional work for foreign clients seeking entry to the Finnish market and various Baltic countries. It has a broad client base spanning the IT services, energy and power, general commercial, healthcare and life sciences industries; it has seen an increase in energy-related transactions and mandates involving collaboration with London and German firms on transactions, as well as an uptick in clients hailing from China and Russia. Dispute resolution lawyer Ville Salonen has a strong background in corporate and commercial work. Managing partner Tomi Merenheimo and international M&A expert Heikki Wide are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Heikki Wide; Tomi Merenheimo; Ville Salonen
Testimonials
‘They are true professionals with high work-ethic and a winner’s attitude, but still humble and warm in their interactions.’
‘Heikki Wide is a great lawyer from whom my great experience with Magnusson is derived.’
‘Magnusson’s team was knowledgeable, available, friendly and very efficient. Although the schedule was very tight, we got all the support and without any feeling of stress.’
Key clients
Algol Oy
Shanghai Medical Instrument Co., LTD.
Teknos Group Oy
Meira Oy
Kaspervik Vind Oü
St1 Oy
STR Tecoil Oy
Aspocomp Group Oyj
Magnus Minerals Oy
Sofigate Group Oy
Conorin Oy
VeliMark Oy
GF Money Oyj
Fenniarail Oy
Primex Pharmaceuticals Oy
Wealth Options Trustees Limited
Jokerit Hockey Club Oy
Adecco Finland Oy
Forus Oy
Kirami Oy
QSC Group Oy
Contribyte Oy
Tilipalvelu Rantalainen Oy
Arctic Machine Oy
Work highlights
- Advised Shanghai Medical Instrument Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of the shares of FimetInvest Oy. The deal value was €18m.
- Advised the shareholders of QSC Group Oy on the sale of the whole share capital to Kotikatu Group Oy.
- Advised Tilipalvelu Rantalainen Oy on the acquisition of the shares of Ab Norlic Oy.
Mäkitalo Attorneys Ltd
The team at Mäkitalo Attorneys Ltd is noted for its transactional and corporate work, especially regarding major Finnish construction and power plant projects. Ville Vyyryläinen and Jani Rantanen jointly lead the team, with specialisms in cross-border financings and M&A. Notably, the team has considerably expanded its breadth of expertise, with managing associate and corporate transactions expert Jussi Ekonen rejoining the team from Hannes Snellman in August 2021, public procurement specialist and senior associate Jenni Miettinen joining in April 2021 from PTCServices, and senior associate and real estate expert Alisa Montonen joining from Roschier in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Ville Vyyryläinen; Jani Rantanen
Other key lawyers:
Jussi Ekonen; Jenni Miettinen; Alisa Montonen
Testimonials
‘I have used Mäkitalo’s team twice in a transaction and I appreciate their legal expertise and especially their support in negotiations prior to agreements. They have been able to get my goals to be part of the agreements.‘
‘I have mainly worked with Jani Rantanen who has a great understanding of business aspects of the transactions and has helped me greatly in achieving our business goals. Jani is a great support in negotiations, well articulated, firm and professional.’
Key clients
Suomen Voima Oy (Finnish Power Ltd)
Temet Group Oy
Keravan Energia Oy
Puhuri Oy
Nordic Biotech Group Oy
Ministry of Finance
SF Power Company
L2 Paloturvallisuus Oy, a Jensen Hughes Company
Straightforward Capital Fund Ky
CCEA Oy
Amua Oy
Luxus Advertising Limited
Vitec ALMA Oy (former ALMA Consulting Oy)
Cupori Oy
Ouman Oy
MAXA Holding Limited
Work highlights
- Advised SF Power Company on all legal matters.
- Supported the Ministry of Finance with Commercial, Corporate and M&A matters.
- Advised Temet Group Oy and its subsidiaries Temet International Oy, Temet Finland Oy and Temet Construction Oy on all their legal matters.
Waselius & Wist
Waselius & Wist focuses on both domestic and international transactions, as well as the sale, purchase and financing of companies. The team is also experienced in handling mergers, takeovers, venture capital issues and management buy-outs for international clients, and is noted for its work on distressed M&A transactions. Co-head Christoffer Waselius focuses on complex cross-border M&A mandates, especially in the infrastructure sector; Fredrik Lassenius handles complex M&A transactions for technology companies, private equity houses and corporates. Corporate specialist Olli Kiuru and contract expert Åsa Krook also contribute to the practice.
Practice head(s):
Christoffer Waselius; Fredrik Lassenius
Other key lawyers:
Olli Kiuru; Åsa Krook
Key clients
Loomis AB
Cinven
HG Capital
Otso Gold Corp.
Euronext N.V.
Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation
Visma
One.com Group AB
Camp Scandinavia Oy
NCS Finland Oy
Nordic Real Estate Partners (NREP)
Vulcain Services SAS
Work highlights
- Advised Loomis AB on its acquisition of Automatia Pankkiautomaatit Oy including the negotiation of long-term frame service agreements with the sellers.
- Advised Hg Capital and Visma on the Finnish law aspects of the sale of ownership interests in Visma, including due diligence on the Finnish law assets and agreements.
- Advised Otso Gold Corp. and its subsidiary on securing $11m financing from Brunswick Gold Ltd.
KPMG in Finland
With a connection to the firm’s global network of offices, KPMG Law in Finland advise medium-sized Finnish companies and third sector organisations on due diligence, national and cross-border corporate reorganisations, financing arrangements, joint ventures, and compliance issues. Head of M&A transactions team Juha Koivula focuses on M&A transactions, while counsel Kai Soini specialises in reorganisations and structuring corporate acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Juha Koivula
Other key lawyers:
Kai Soini
Testimonials
‘All meetings ware purposeful and efficient. Team had excellent resources, capabilities and very close collaboration with corporate finance M&A team. Approach from KPMG team was very analytical and commercial, providing excellent value for us.’
‘Juha Koivula had excellent expertise combined with pragmatic and commercially focused approach to finding solutions and driving things forward.’
‘The KPMG team has a wide range of knowledge in M&A, Corporate law and commercial law. Their reachability is excellent always.’
‘The KPMG team were able to navigate the transaction very smoothly. They had a good grasp of both commercial and legal points and were very effective in negotiating.’
‘The corporate finance team at KPMG Finland showed great sector knowledge about the particular vertical we were transacting in. The team were pragmatic during negotiation of transaction documents that allowed a swift resolution of the transactions whilst ensuring key terms remained favourable for the client.’
‘Kai Soini is very capable in his sector. Knows a lot of commercial transactions.‘
Key clients
Cooperative Tradeka
Lumon Group
Fazer Group
Hartela Oy
Pohjola Rakennus Group
Novart Oy
A-Lehdet Oy
EKE-Finance Oy
Toyota Motor Sports GmbH
Wolt Enterprises Oy
Erratum Oyj
Cargotec plc
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Cloudia Oy on an international auction sale of the company with deal value of €102.5m.
- Advised City of Outokumpu on an international auction sale of a 66% majority stake in Outokummun Energia Oy.
- Advised the shareholders of Admescope Oy on an international auction sale of the company to Dutch MercachemSyncom.
Lexia Attorneys Ltd
Lexia Attorneys Ltd advises on issues for corporates, venture capitalists and investors operating in the construction, information technology and media industries. Notably, it is particularly strong regarding Finnish outbound investments. Chairman of the board Mikko Räsänen handles M&A transactions and strategic corporate advisory work, while head of M&A Saara Ryhtä is experienced in negotiations and M&A work, and CEO Samuli Koskela focuses on M&A transactions. Corporate partner Lauri Oja and associate Ilari Lusenius joined the team in early 2021.
Practice head(s):
Mikko Räsänen; Samuli Koskela; Saara Ryhtä
Other key lawyers:
Lauri Oja; Ilari Lusenius
Key clients
UpViser Oy
Bonusway Oy
P.V. Supa Oy
Headstar Oy
Axopar Boats Oy
Auron Oy
Benemen Oy
Mekalasi Oy
Work highlights
- Advised UpViser Oy and its shareholders on sale of the company to Mediq Oy.
- Advised Bonusway on its acquisition of the Danish Eovendo A/S, and Dutch Ippies.nl B.V. as well as Dutch MARC B.V.
Merilampi Attorneys Ltd
Merilampi Attorneys Ltd is active in public and private M&A transactions, often involving IP, IT or environmental aspects. Practice co-head Jani Ylä-Autio is noted for his advice regarding corporate and real state transactions, while co-head Antti Kahri focuses on both domestic and international M&A, as well as private equity transactions.
Practice head(s):
Jani Ylä-Autio; Antti Kahri
Key clients
Škoda Transportation Group
Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Magenta Advisory Oy
Nordea Bank AB
Suominen Corporation
Sanoma corporation
Elisa Corporation
Ramirent plc
Posti Corporation
Neste Corporation
Kesko Corporation
Fortum Corporation
Sweco AB
Total Specific Solutions
Work highlights
- Advised Pihlajalinna Terveys Ltd, part of Pihlajalinna Group, on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Pohjola Hospital Ltd from its current owner Pohjola Insurance Ltd.
- Advised Sweco Finland Oy on the acquisition of shares in Optiplan Oy from NCC Group.
- Advised Total Specific Solutions on its acquisition of Prime from Innofactor.
Procopé & Hornborg
Procopé & Hornborg is experienced in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, venture capital work and joint ventures, acting for clients active in the energy, technology and engineering sectors; It also advises on liability issues, corporate governance work and due diligence. Practice head Petri Kyllönen leads on major M&A projects, while Ismo Hentula leads the corporate advisory team. Managing partner Pia Tanskanen also contributes.
Practice head(s):
Petri Kyllönen; Ismo Hentula; Pia Tanskanen
Other key lawyers:
Helena Wist; Sampsa Perttunen
Testimonials
‘Very responsive and technically strong.’
‘Ismo Hentula always makes himself available and is a very trusted business adviser.’
‘Competent and has good team members.’
‘Extremely friendly, easy to approach and reach out. Fast responses even outside office hours. Seem to care about the cases and clients. Personal involvement.’
‘Petri Kyllönen & Pia Tanskanen are both incredibly hard-working and very involved in the details of a transaction. They are very experienced, and they know all the ways that a transaction can develop. On a personal level they are really easy to work with, very enjoyable and very committed to the individual case.’
‘Petri Kyllönen has extensive deal execution experience and early on in the process he is able to identify the most relevant key issues for the client and focus on delivering the best overall solution. Partner Pia Tanskanen is able to organise and run a smooth legal process to support the deal in the best possible way.’
Key clients
Ensto Group
EPV Energy Ltd
Etteplan Oyj
Firstbeat Technologies Ltd
Haltija Group Oy
Indutrade Oy
Pohjolan Voima Oyj
Viafin Service Oyj
LikeIT Solutions Oy
Nepton Group Oy
Work highlights
- Advised Ensto Group on the divestment of the Ensto Building Systems business to Legrand S.A.
- Advised Etteplan on its acquisition of the Polish software company Skyrise.tech and a related directed share issuance.
- Advised HR SaaS providers Nepton and LikeIT on their consolidation into LikeIT Nepton Group and a private equity investment.
Attorneys-at-law Trust. Ltd
Attorneys-at-law Trust. Ltd focuses on M&A, joint ventures, corporate transactions in the technology sector, and outsourcings, with specialist expertise in distressed acquisitions and IP-related transactions. Its international client base includes European and Japanese corporates. Jan Lindberg focuses on technology M&A, particularly in the telecoms, clean tech and pharmaceuticals sectors; while Juha Taipale focuses on M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Jan Lindberg; Juha Taipale
Testimonials
‘The team at Trust is very goal and customer-oriented. The flexibility and fierce focus made it easy to manage a complex challenge into a great outcome.’
‘Very good knowledge about mergers and acquisitions.’
‘Jan Lindberg has helped our organisation in mergers & acquisition, his knowledge about M&A is excellent.’
‘Excellent team and agile operations.’
‘Experienced people and business-oriented approach.’
Key clients
Arctic Security Oy
BearingPoint
Coolbrook Oy
Ecraft Oy Ab
Elo Pension Insurance Company
FundSi Oy
Futures Platform Oy
Grid.vc
Immersal Oy
LeasePlan Finland OY
Lhj Group Oy
LocalTapiola Group
Loihde Oyj
Make It Right Helsinki Oy
Mash Group Plc
Nexstim Plc
Plan Brothers Oy
Privanet Group plc
Seedrz Limited
Sisua Digital Oy
Skenariolabs
Sokeain Ystävät Ry
Solitaire Invest Oy
Supponor
Suunto
Talokeskus Yhtiöt Oy
Tietokeskus Finland Oy
Wihuri Group
Veritas Pension Insurance Company Ltd
PBE Performance Ltd Oy
Work highlights
- Advised Enengto Group Oyj on the preparation and negotiation of an agreement covering the initial investment by Enento into Goava Business Intelligence AB and a path and plan on how to acquire the full ownership of the target in the future.
- Advised Nexstim Plc on a €6.6m rights issuance and reverse split including the first ever Finnish EU Growth Prospectus.
- Advised Ecraft Oy Ab and Fellowmind on the acquisition of Finland-based analytics and business intelligence consultancy company Softaidea.